Sensing of Damage in Glass Fiber Composites by Adding Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites are known to possess outstanding specific strength and stiffness and their use in structural applications continues to expand. Most structural composites are susceptible to the formation of micro-scale damage in polymer matrix under adverse conditions which has significant implications on the durability and performance of fiber composites. Thus, it is imperative to detect the initiation and evolution of damage in composites long before their catastrophic failure. In this report, our recent research in sensing of micro-crack in matrix in situ and in real time for glass fiber composites was reviewed. Carbon nanotubes were dispersed into glass fiber composites by three roll mill technique. A resistance parameter was utilized to quantitatively characterize damage initiation and propagation. Damage mechanisms and development were investigated under tension, fatigue loadings. This research demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of electrical resistance measurements in the sensing of micro-scale damage for fiber composites using carbon nanotubes and offers the potential for in-service health monitoring of composite structures.